Fantastic holiday, a real adventure. We saw sights I had only dreamed about. Every day there was something new to wonder at, from…
Anonymous | Traveled in MayThis trek combines the natural highlights of the Salkantay route with upgraded mountain lodging and carefully paced logistics. You hike to Humantay Lake, cross the highest point of the route at Salkantay Pass, descend into the warmer cloud forest and continue toward Llactapata, one of the most memorable viewpoints facing Machu Picchu.
The final day is dedicated to the citadel itself. After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, you enter Machu Picchu with your guide and explore the assigned circuit according to official ticket availability.
The itinerary is available seasonally from March to early January, depending on trail, weather and Machu Picchu entrance availability.
Your journey starts before sunrise with pick-up in Cusco and a scenic drive through Anta, Limatambo and mountain valleys toward the Salkantay region. After breakfast en route, continue to Challacancha, organize your gear and begin the first warm-up hike toward Soraypampa.
The trail climbs gradually and helps your body adjust to the altitude. After lunch at Soraypampa, hike to Humantay Lake, where turquoise water sits below glacier-covered peaks. Spend time taking photos and enjoying the high-Andean scenery before returning to camp.
Tonight you sleep in glass cabanas near Soraypampa, with mountain views and a quiet evening under the stars.
After an early breakfast, begin the climb toward the heart of the Salkantay mountains. The first section rises steadily to Salkantay Pampa, a beautiful rest point with impressive glacier views.
The ascent continues past Soyrococha before reaching Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at about 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. From the pass, enjoy wide views of snow peaks and the surrounding Andes before descending toward Wayracmachay.
At Wayracmachay, settle into panoramic glass domes. The evening is designed for rest, warm drinks, dinner and a sky full of stars when the weather is clear.
Today the landscape changes dramatically as the trail leaves the cold high Andes and descends toward warmer cloud forest. After breakfast, hike downhill through valleys where vegetation becomes greener and the air more humid.
Pass Rayanpata and continue toward Colpapampa for lunch. In the afternoon, the trail moves deeper into a subtropical environment with orchids, waterfalls, coffee plants and rivers along the way.
The day ends near Loreta at a unique Hobbit House style lodging. This forest setting offers a very different atmosphere from the high camps, with warm hospitality, dinner and time to recover from the day.
After breakfast near Loreta, travel a short distance to Lucmabamba and begin hiking along an original Inca route connected with the Machu Picchu region. The uphill trail passes coffee, banana and avocado plants as the path climbs through forested terrain.
Reach Llactapata, an archaeological site with one of the most rewarding distant views of Machu Picchu across the valley. After a guided explanation and time for photos, descend toward Hidroelectrica for lunch with the trekking team.
The final walking section follows the railway through the Machu Picchu canyon to Aguas Calientes. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy a hot shower and rest before the next morning visit to the citadel.
The final day is dedicated to Machu Picchu. After breakfast, take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the citadel. Your passport and entrance ticket are required for access.
Your guide leads you through the assigned circuit, explaining the architecture, history, sacred spaces and engineering of the Inca city. When available, the classic viewpoint area is prioritized for photographs and panoramic views.
After the guided visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You will have free time for lunch or a short walk around town before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. From the train station, continue by transfer toward Cusco, normally arriving in the evening.
Trip went very smoothly and was very well organized. Easy to highlight is Machu Picchu, but our visit of Amantani island on Lake Titicaca was a real interesting and unique experience. Read more.
This was an excellent well-organized tour at a great value with plenty of variety and lots of free time to explore. Read more.
This was our first trip with Bookmundi and we are extremely happy. From start to finish the experience was excellent. Read more.
We saw all the highlights, the guides were excellent and the trip flowed nicely. The pacing was just right. Read more.
From $695 USD per person
The shared group service is priced in US dollars and operates with a maximum group size of 16 travelers, subject to seasonal operation, trail conditions and Machu Picchu ticket availability.
A student discount of $25 USD per person may apply with a valid university student card or for travelers 17 years old or younger, when documentation is provided at booking.
The trek reaches approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft at Salkantay Pass. Spend time in Cusco before the trek, hydrate well, avoid heavy alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms early.
Machu Picchu entrance tickets are limited and assigned by official availability. The circuit can vary depending on how far in advance the tour is booked.
Mountain weather changes quickly. Even in the dry season, rain and cold wind are possible, so waterproof clothing and warm layers are important.
After Machu Picchu, travelers normally return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and continue by transfer toward Cusco. Exact train times depend on availability.
| Tour | Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Sky Domes Experience |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Starting Point | Cusco |
| Ending Point | Cusco |
| Route | Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay – Loreta – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco |
| Trip Style | Trekking, Adventure and Glamping |
| Physical Level | Moderate to Challenging |
| Maximum Altitude | 4,630 m / 15,190 ft |
| Group Size | Up to 16 travelers |
| Accommodation | Glass cabanas, glass domes, Hobbit House and hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Meals | Most meals during the trek; final lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included |
| Season | Normally available from March 1 to January 10, subject to weather and logistics |
| Base Price | From $695 USD per person |
If you have a question about this or any other trip, our travel experts are ready to help with dates, availability and private options.
